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Steelers safety Troy Polamalu retires

WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer
Published 9:14 a.m. CT April 10, 2015

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FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2014, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) takes the field during introductions for an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh. Polamalu's iconic football career is over. The eight-time Pro Bowl safety told the Uniontown Herald-Standard he informed Steelers chairman Dan Rooney on Thursday night, April 9, 2015, he will retire rather than return for a 13th season. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar, File)(Photo: Gene Puskar, AP)

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the star safety's retirement on Friday following a spectacular 12 seasons in the NFL that included eight Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections and two Super Bowl rings.

Polamalu's retirement was first reported by the Uniontown (Pa.) Herald-Standard.

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney called Polamalu "a tremendous leader" who helped guide the franchise through a six-year run that included three Super Bowl appearances and the team's fifth and sixth world championships.

Polamalu turns 34 later this month. He had two years remaining on his contract but questioned whether he could make the commitment necessary to play another season.